Talk about moving up or climbing the ladder or reaching amazing heights or chasing (and catching) your goals – meet Lydia Bowman.
Let’s step back to the starting line last year. It was a November day at Michigan International Speedway when Bowman took her spot with her Pioneer cross country teammates at the Division 1 State Finals. The then junior was competing against the very best in the state and finished in 224th place with a time of 21:09.37. So, doing the math, there were 223 runners who beat her to the finish line.
Now let’s fast forward to 2023. Same place. Same starting line. Same competitive field. Much different results.
The now senior ran a time of 18:29.0 to finish – wait for it – 23rd overall and earn All-State honors. So, if you are into numbers, in 2023, she placed 23rd, 201 spots better than the previous year. However you want to add it up, it equals amazing.
Bowman certainly put in the work to improve and it paid off. But the motivation part of the equation came easily for the gifted athlete who has overcome some challenges along her course.
“Going to practice and running is always one of the best parts of my day,” she says. “I always look forward to being with my team and coaches which makes me enjoy the training just as much. Having so much support makes me want to do my best for the team and myself.”
After six top-10 finishes during the season, Bowman finished third at the Regional at Lake Erie Metropark in late October. She also ran at the NXR Midwest Regional Championships where she placed 67th – she was 230th the year before.
This season really was the culmination of hard work and perseverance following an injury that sidelined her for her entire sophomore year.
“The summer before my sophomore year, I tore my ACL in a soccer showcase,” she said. “This put me out of soccer for exactly a year and running for the fall and winter. During that time, it was hard to stay focused toward my goals but my family supported me and encouraged me to keep working toward a good recovery.
“My coaches and teammates were very supportive and helped me realize how much I appreciate going to soccer and cross country practice. After my injury, I found a new love of running and wanted to prioritize it. Every accomplishment I have I now appreciate even more because I know all the hard work and setbacks I had to get there. It makes my achievements even more special.”
Bowman’s showing helped lead Pioneer to a second-place finish at the MHSAA State Finals on Nov. 4. Crossing the finish line for the last time with her Pioneer teammates was bittersweet.
“We are a very close team and enjoy running with each other,” she said. “One of my favorite meets was the Benzie Pete Moss Invite because we bonded as a team during camp and got to race together and start the season off strong.”
Bowman is one of those special athletes who loves to compete.
“On the starting line, I am always just super excited to start running,” she says. “I never really get nervous. I just remind myself that I do this for fun and I just want to give everything I have for that day. When I’m running, I just focus on my own race and pushing myself the whole way.”
Bowman first walked up to the starting line in the seventh grade. “I thought it would be fun to join cross country and I figured it would keep me in shape for soccer,” she says. “I ended up loving to run and the time I got to spend with my friends. Through middle school compared to soccer, it wasn’t as competitive and it was nice to have as a second sport that had a more relaxed schedule.”
She took running to the next level in high school. And things got really competitive.
“In the off-season, we run six days a week and lift weights as well,” she said. “Our coaches always have a great schedule to keep us in shape and ready to race at our best.”
Lydia, 17, is the daughter of Jim and Gretchen Bowman. She has a 3.991 GPA, is a member of the Interact Club and has played soccer since she was 4 years old but will not play this spring. Outside of school, she is involved in her church and participates in a youth group. “I also play the guitar and have taken lessons since I was 8 years old,” she says. “Some of my favorite songs to play are The Beatles both on acoustic and electric.”
Editor’s note: So, she also has excellent taste in music!
After Pioneer, she wants to go to college and join the Navy.
“I would love to run in college,” she says. “I have plans to join Navy ROTC while I am in school and pursue a career in the Navy after I graduate. I want to study physics and be a Surface Warfare Officer.”
Any advice for young runners out there walking up to their starting line?
“I would tell them to have fun and enjoy the team environment but also the individual race,” she says. “The harder you work at practice, the more it will show on race day and that’s only something you can decide.”
It certainly showed on race day for Lydia.
Senior photos by Shannon Marie May
Running photos by Terry Jacoby
